Food Review: Bar Iberico

Stepping back into Bar Iberico after a lockdown-shaped hiatus, I wasn’t really sure how I was going to feel. After the initial scanning of the QR code, adjusting to the regular staff wearing visors, it was like, well, popping my favourite jumper on – it was proper comfy and I knew it wouldn’t make me feel too bloated. The relaxed atmosphere that they have nailed so perfectly has not in any way been affected by adapting for the global pandemic that we are all so very bored of talking about, so I immediately felt at home.

The food at Bar Iberico is a much more interesting talking point. My co-diner was a first timer, so I coaxed her into going for the Menu Rapido; £12.95 for two tapas and fresh sourdough bread. You may be tempted into ordering more, but go steady, the portions are a good size and you’d do well to measure the size of your eyes against the size of your belly before ordering too much.

My companion ordered from the vegan menu going for the baked vegan blue cheese dish along with the aubergine and green almond tapas. I dove in headfirst to wood-fired gambas with dollops of delicious burnt garlic, as well as the delectable swordfish pinchos. I didn’t heed my own advice and decided we absolutely needed one more dish to share – it was a toss-up between the iceberg salad with nashi pear or the crispy cauliflower with chilli, ginger and smoked almond. The cauliflower won, and it was as delicious as the first time I tried it.

The one thing you can expect from Bar Iberico is consistency – they do what they do incredibly well and deserve the loyal following of foodies that have cemented them as a stalwart of the Nottingham restaurant scene. I’m always enthralled by their amazing food and service, and I guarantee if you visit you won’t be disappointed.

Carlton Street, NG1 1NL

@bariberico